By James Eriku (The Monitor)
In Summary
Want inclusion. Amnesty Commission says selective justice will only discourage rebels from surrendering.
The Amnesty Commission has called for the release of captured Lord’s Resistance Army commander Caesar Acellam, saying he should be freed to benefit from amnesty like any other former rebel.
Ms Mary Oker, the Amnesty Commission district resettlement team leader for northwestern region, during a recent press briefing in Gulu District, said the continued detention of Acellam, despite his willingness to apply for amnesty, tantamounts to abuse of his rights.
Acellam was captured by the UPDF in the jungles of Central African Republic in May together with his wife, child and a helper.
Ms Oker, however, said all rebels, including their top commanders can benefit from the amnesty law because it’s primary aim was to protect returnees, adding that “selective amnesty” would only discourage rebels from coming out.
“If other commanders can benefit from the Amnesty Act, what about Acellam? Is he different from others? Ms Oker asked.
Other top former LRA leaders who were either captured or surrendered to the government forces but are free today include, Brig. Kenneth Banya and Sam Kolo.
